Clear Lake wrestlers win NCC dual title

The Clear Lake wrestling team picked up two wins Friday night, and in doing so claimed a share of the North Central Conference dual meet title. The Lions finished in a three-way tie with Webster City and Humboldt. All three teams ended up 7-1 and will receive a trophy.

“These kids did a great job all year,” said Coach Gary Weber. “Kids moved up weight classes to help their team win. We have our stars, but we also have a lot of unselfish kids who worked hard to not get pinned and help win. I think that is a skill that they can carry into life.”

The first meet Friday had the Lions facing Iowa Falls-Alden. The team came out with an amazing 74-0 win. It was the third shutout of the year for the team.

“All of our kids improved from how they wrestled their Iowa Falls opponents at the conference meet,” said Weber. “In particular, I was very proud of TJ Hauser. He beat a kid he was pinned by on Saturday, and his record was 22-10. Our entire staff has worked hard on helping TJ perfect his style and it looks like he has it figured out, just at the right time heading into Sectionals. Blake Kelso also showed a big improvement from Saturday.”

The second meet of the night pitted Clear Lake against Algona. The meet started at 195, where Carter Garrington had to take on undefeated Joe Teage. Algona won the first three matches, but the Lions stormed back by winning the next seven matches.

“I thought Logan Wilcke and Connor Nosbisch wrestled particularly well against state place winners,” said the coach. “Logan did not win, but wrestled well. That is all we care about is giving it your best shot, not necessarily winning. Connor beat a kid who did place last year.”

The Lions dominated the lower weights, winning getting two pins and four forfeits. They ended up winning 45-25 to finish as NCC tri-champs.